Application Guide

How to Apply for DREEM Deputy Project Director

at World University Service of Canada

🏢 About World University Service of Canada

WUSC is a unique Canadian organization that combines over 60 years of experience in international development with a strong focus on youth empowerment and refugee education. Working here means contributing to systemic change in education and economic opportunities for displaced populations, with a commitment to local leadership and partnerships.

About This Role

As DREEM Deputy Project Director, you will oversee the operational and technical delivery of a major project supporting refugee and displaced learners in Kenya. This role is impactful because you will directly strengthen local refugee-led organizations and higher education institutions, enabling sustainable inclusion of displaced youth.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with the Senior Technical Managers to review progress on workplans and address any bottlenecks. You could then meet with a partner RLO to discuss capacity-building needs, followed by drafting a report for the donor. Afternoon might involve a strategy session on integrating refugee students into local universities, and end with a call with the Project Director to align on upcoming milestones.

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🎯 Who World University Service of Canada Is Looking For

  • A seasoned international development professional with at least 8-10 years of experience in Africa, specifically in forced migration, higher education, or market systems.
  • Bilingual (English and French) with strong communication skills to liaise with diverse stakeholders including government, donors, and refugee communities.
  • Deep technical expertise in localization, refugee-led organizations (RLOs), or inclusive education, with a track record of designing and managing technical assistance mechanisms.
  • A collaborative leader who can manage a multi-disciplinary team across three pillars and represent the project at high-level meetings.

📝 Tips for Applying to World University Service of Canada

1

Highlight your experience working with refugee populations in East Africa, especially in Kenya, and any past collaboration with refugee-led organizations.

2

Demonstrate your bilingual proficiency by submitting a cover letter in both English and French, or explicitly state your language certification.

3

Provide concrete examples of how you have managed complex projects with multiple technical components and ensured quality assurance.

4

Emphasize your understanding of WUSC's values—inclusion, partnership, and youth empowerment—by linking your past work to these principles.

5

Tailor your CV to show progressive leadership roles in international development, with specific metrics (e.g., number of beneficiaries reached, funds managed).

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express your passion for refugee education and your alignment with WUSC's mission to build a world where every young person thrives.", 'Detail your experience in localization or strengthening refugee-led organizations, as this is a core pillar of the DREEM project.', 'Showcase your ability to work in complex, multi-stakeholder environments in Africa, particularly with governments and higher education institutions.', 'Highlight your bilingualism and how it will enable effective communication with Francophone partners and communities.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review WUSC's current projects in Kenya and the region, especially the DREEM project's goals and previous phases.
  • → Understand the political and social context of refugee education in Kenya, including policies like the Refugee Act 2021 and the role of UNHCR.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key refugee-led organizations (RLOs) in Kenya and their advocacy for inclusion.
  • → Read WUSC's annual reports and strategic plans to understand their priorities and impact metrics.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you ensure the three technical pillars (RLO Engagement, Technical Assistance, Higher Education Inclusion) are integrated and not siloed?
2 Describe a time you had to adapt a project workplan due to unforeseen challenges. What was your approach?
3 What is your understanding of localization in the context of refugee response, and how would you operationalize it in the DREEM project?
4 How do you build capacity within local organizations without creating dependency?
5 Given WUSC's Canadian roots, how would you balance donor accountability with local ownership?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic application; failing to mention refugee education or localization will signal a lack of interest.
  • Avoid overemphasizing academic qualifications without practical field experience in Africa; this role demands hands-on work.
  • Don't neglect to address the bilingual requirement—if you are not fully fluent, be honest about your level and willingness to improve.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: May 27, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to World University Service of Canada!

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